Less Facebook, more focus

There comes a point when you can overdo the job search. If you’re madly adding applications to your Facebook profile, firing off applications for most of the jobs you see advertised, feverishly following anyone you think might be useful on Twitter, then you’re probably doing too much. Not only that, but you’re probably not getting anywhere. It’s great that there are so many tools for job seekers, but it also pays to concentrate your search and be ruthless about where you’re spending your time. Here are some tips for being more focussed in your search.

1. Identify your goals
It’s only when you really think about what you want to do that you can focus on how to get there. When you think about the sort of career that truly inspires you, consider also what that entails. Will you need to retrain, get more experience, or relocate to do the job?

2. Go for niche
Avoid the huge job boards offering thousands of vacancies. Unless your CV is sufficiently tailored to include the target key words, you’re unlikely to get far. Instead, concentrate on niche job boards or recruitment agencies which specialise in your desired area. Select the vacancy that best matches your skills and experience and then spend time tailoring your CV to the vacancy. This is a much more effective use of your time than just firing away applications to all and sundry.

3. Concentrate on fit
Who do you want to work for? What makes the company a good choice for you? Why are you passionate about working there? Knowing why you are a good fit for a company means your enthusiasm will come across in your application. Choose three or four companies that appeal to you, then find out everything you can about them, the industry, their competitors, suppliers and clients. (LinkedIn is a great resource for finding contacts.) Do your research so you really know why a particular company would be a good place for you, then bookmark their website and visit regularly to see any job vacancy updates.

4. Build your knowledge and experience
If you know where you’re going, you’ll also know where any gaps are in terms of your skills, experience and accomplishments. Use free time to fill these gaps, by learning a new skill, volunteering on projects to build up experience and talking to people in the job or the industry.

5. Work your contacts
Don’t underestimate the power of your connections. Who you know (and who your brother, friend or neighbour knows) has always been an important part of job searching, if only to hear about opportunities. Networking – offline just as much as online – is always a good use of your time. Concentrate on the professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Ning. Build your reputation there by searching for the relevant industry groups and joining in the conversations. You can also focus your offline networking by participating in industry events and conferences; and working and building relationships with niche recruitment agencies.

Photo credit: dantaylor